The inaugural Sippin' on the River brings West Coast flavors to the Mississippi. On Sunday, March 18, the Creole Queen paddlewheeler hosts a casual, floating tasting of 75 wines from boutique wineries in Oregon, Washington and California.

Featured wineries include C. Squared, Andrew Rich and Moises Vineyard, which is owned by local winemaker James Moises. St. James Cheese Company will provide cheeses and the Bittersweet Confections will offer chocolates. The Creole Queen boards at 1:30 p.m. from behind the Hilton and Riverwalk mall. The paddlewheeler will cruise the Mississippi from 2:00–4:30 p.m. You must be 21 years old to attend.

Tickets to Sippin' on the River are $55 and can be purchased at:

-- Cork & Bottle (3700 Orleans Ave.),

-- Swirl Wines (3143 Ponce de Leon St.)

-- Online at Evenbrite.com. A portion of the ticket price benefits the LASPCA. For more information, call 504.858.4815.